Surgical instrument



June 1, 1948. F. w. KULlcKE, JR., ETAL 2,442,416

SURGICAL INSTRUMENT Filed Jan. 21, 1947 ywgww,

Patented June 1, 1948 um TED s rare s flnfreNfr for-FF ica 2,442,416VsUneIoaL INSTRMET Frederick W. Kulicke, Jr., Media, and Grald Transue,Havertown, Pa.; said `KulicliefJn, as-

signor tosaid Transue -Applicatien January 21, 1947, seriarnofraeevb 14claims. (m5128414) This invention relates generally to surgicalinstruments and more vparticularly to improvements lin the constructionof a surgical lancet wherein a plunger type blade orthe like isoperative to be instantaneously released from a cocked position topenetrate the'body to be pierced to a-predeterminedly fixed depth.

Among theprincipal objects of the present invention is to Vprovide alancet which is constructed of a minimum number of readilyjassembledparts, which is ,cfa design adapted tobe manufactured economically andwith facility, which is adapted to betaken apart readily to facilitateits cleaning and sterilization, andwhich is exceedingly simple vandVeffective in its operation.

More specifically, it is 'an object of the present invention to providea lancet wherein readily rele'asable means in the form of a pair ofballs is employed to frictlonally retain the plunger type blade thereofin retracted or cocked position ready to be released for the piercing.operation instantly upon contact of the instrument with the body to bepierced, the piercing operation being thus expeditiously elected by theoperator while holding the instrumentin one hand.

Other objects and advantages 'of the invention will appear more 'fullyhereinafter, it being understood that the same consists in thecombination,

construction, location and relative 'arrangement 3 of parts, allasdescribed in detail hereinafter, as shown in the accompanying drawingsand as nally pointed outin the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a 'preferred constructionembodying the principles ofthe-present invention;

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a lancet `@mb@dyingthe presentinvention;

Figure 2 is a longitudinalsectional view there- 'Figure 3. is a Viewsimilar to Figure 2 showing the plunger blade thereof in retracted orcocked pQSitlOn.

' Figure 4 Vis alongitulinal Vs ectionalyiew of the carrier or cookingsleeve for the ball-like detainer elements;

Figure 5 is an elevational view of said carrier S1eeve; and

`lvigures-6 and `'l are enlargedfragmentaryviews respectively showingthe relative arrangement of operative parts of the instrument when theblade is released for the piercing operation and when lt is held inretracted or 'cocked position prior to itszrelease.

Referring new more particularly to tlfe drawings, .it will 'be observedVthat `the present invention isshown embodiedinfthattype of surgicalinstrun1-ent known as alancas'aidinstrument consistingessentially ofan,elolga'ted plunger element VI@ having formed at its forwardend apiercing blade l l., theA tip ci which 'is sharpened, as at l2, toreadily penetrate thebody to be pierced. The plunger element 4l!) isfurther characterized in thatvit is provided intermediate its lengthwith an enlarged body portion |`3 of cylindrical form .from whichrearwardly extends the coaxial shank M ofthe plunger element. An.operating knob i5 is threadedly secured, as at I6, to the rear end ofthe shank i4 of theplunlger element. Preferably, but not necessarily,theplllnger element maybe formed with a second enlarged cylindricalportion Il spaced anially forwardly of the enlarged body portion 3, itbeingfnted in this connection that regardless ofthe ypreserice"orabsence of the enlarged portion ILwthe plunger element l is providedwitnashankuportion I8 immediately in advance of the enlarged portion i3which is of such reducedrdiarneter as to provide an annular shoulder i9`between, the forward end of said enlargedportion l 3 and the rear endof said reduced diameter shankportion i8. A similar annular shoulder 2Qis provided at the rear end of the 'enlarged portion 43;. l n

Surrounding the major length of the plunger element [D is a cookingsleeve 2l, the rear end `of which' yis closed except for a smallaperture 22 sulilcient4 to .permit freeprojection therethrough ofl theshank i4 as shovvn, said shank l being adapted for axial movementrelatively to its embracing sleeve 2|.,1itted more orless loosely uponthe forward end( of the sleeve '2i is a ballretaining sleeve 23, thelatter being provided in the rear portion ,thereof which overlaps thecocking sleeve 2l ywith anHi-nternal annular groove 2t of Circularshapein transverse cross sections Immediately adjacent this annulargroove 24of`circular cross section is a second annular groove 25 of acircular c ross section corresponding` to that ofthe groove 24, thegrooves 24 and 25 being so relatively disposedwthat thetransverselycurved wall portion `of `the groove 25 isolseta-Xiallyrearwardly and radially inwardly with respect tothe correspondinglycurved wall portion of the groove 24, the two grooves 24and25 beinginterconnected by an intervening yal'inular passage 25, the peripheralWall of whichris of cylindrical shape. Thus, the two grooves 24 and .25and their communicating passage '28 form,l in eft'echwithin theball-'retainngsleeve 2 3, Vsingle internal groove ci an irregular shapetransverse cross section braces the blade portion of the plunger elementI and which is axially adjustable relatively to the sleeve 23 t0 exposemore or less of the blade when released for the piercing operation.

Formed in the forward end of the cocking sleeve 2| are a pair ofdiametrically opposed apertures 3 |-3I adapted to be disposedapproximately in registry with the internal groove of the.

ball-retaining sleeve 23 when the latter is tted upon the sleeve 2|, asshown. Adapted for op- `erative association with the cocking sleeve 2|are a pair of detaining balls 32-32, these latter being respectivelyreceived within the apertures 3|-3I of the sleeve 2| in such manner thatupon retraction of the plunger element Iii-from its position shown inFigure 2 into that shown in Figure 3, the balls 32-32 become wedgedbetween the sleeve 23 and the plunger element Il! to frictionally retainthe latter in a cocked position ready for immediate piercing releasethereof instantly as desired. To effect both the cocking and theinstantaneous release of the plunger element I0, there is employed acompression spring 33 which embraces the shank I4 of the plunger elementwith its opposite ends respectively abutting the closed end of thecocking sleeve 2| and the annular'shoulder 20 formed at the rear end ofthe enlarged intermediate portion I3 of the plunger element.

It will be observed, as shown in Figure 2, that said enlargedintermediate portion I3 of the plunger element ID is of such diameterrelatively to the overall diameter of the annular groove 24 and thediameters of the balls 32-32 as to permit said portion I3 to be freelycentered between the balls while the latter are seated in the groove 24.In this condition of the parts, upon removal cf the extension tip member38 from the sleeve 23 and the operating knob I5 from the rear end of theplunger element, the latter is free to be entirely withdrawn from theassembly. Also, in this condition of the assembled parts, as shown inFigures 2 and 6, the plunger element lo, through the intervention of thecoiled compression spring 33, is in its fully extended condition, aswhen the piercing'operation has been completed.

To cock the instrument into condition ready for use., as shown inFigures 3 and 7, the ballretaining sleeve 23 is held in one hand Whilethe knob I5 of the plunger element is grasped by the other hand andpulled outwardly of the sleeve 2|. Upon so pulling the plunger elementrelatively to the sleeve 23, the compression spring 33 exerts a thrustagainst the rear end of the sleeve 2| and so causes the latter torearwardly shift axially with respect to the sleeve 23, thereby tendingto shift the balls 32-32 from the groove 24 into the adjoining groove25. However, such shifting of the balls 32-32 is prevented until theinstant that the enlarged portion .I3 of the plunger element clears thegroove 25, whereupon the balls 32-32 are cammed, by the cocking sleeve2|, from their original position shown in Figures 2 and 6 into theirposition shown in Figures 3 and 7. In this latter position, the balls32-32 are wedged between the reduced shank portion I8 of the plunger andthe fiat wall of the passage 26 between the grooves 24 and 25, and sofrictionally retain the plunger element in its retracted or cockedposition.

To release the plunger element for its piercing operation, it is merelynecessary for the operator to grasp the sleeve 2| and press the tip ofthe instrument against the body to be pierced, whereupon, due to theslight relative movement 'which thus ensues between the sleeves 2| and23, theplunger is freed of its frictional ,retention by the'balls 32-32and is instantly forced by the kineticA energy of the compressed spring33, axially of the sleeves 2| and 23 into its outwardly extendingbody-piercing position as shown in Figure 2.` As will be apparent from astudy of Figures 3 and '7, the release of the balls 32-32 from theirfrictional retention between the sleeve 23 and the plunger element isinstantly effected upon such relative shifting ofthe sleeves 2| and 23as will cause the balls to be freed for radial displacement into thegroove 24, such displacement being obtained by the forward shoulder I9as the enlarged portion I3 of the plunger is thrust forwardly betweenthe balls by the action of the spring 33. In order to obviate anypossibility for the plunger to be retracted rearwardly beyond its normalcocked position, shown 'in Figure 2, it is preferred to provide theplunger element with the additional enlarged portion I1, previouslymentioned, to thereby form a shoulder 34 which limits movement of theplunger rearwardly of the balls 32-32. Forward movement of the plungeris, of course, limited by interengagement of the operating knob |5 withthe rear end of the cocking sleeve 2| By adjusting the extension tipmember 30 axially of the sleeve 23, the depth of the piercing cut may becontrolled as desired.

It will be understood, of course, that the present invention issusceptible of various changes and modiiications which may be made fromtime to time without departing from the real spirit or generalprinciples thereof, and it is accordingly intended to claim the samebroadly, as well as specifically, as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and useful is:

1. In a surgical instrument of the character described, a spring-pressedplunger element having a sharpened body-piercing terminal end, acylindrical casing for said plunger element including a pair ofrelatively shiftable telescopically associated tubular members, andmeans disposed within the telescoped portions of said tubular membersand positively engageable with said plunger to releasably retain thelatter in retracted condition.

2. In a surgical instrument of the character described, a plungerelement having a bodypiercing terminal end, said plunger element beingprovided intermediate its length with adjoining sections of relativelydifferent diameters, a casing for said plunger element including a 'pairof relatively shiftable telescopically lassociated sleeve members, oneof said members being provided with a lateral opening in the Wallthereof and the other of said members being provided with an internalannular groove in substantial registry with said opening, said groovebeing of asymmetric form in transverse section to provide a pair ofaxially spaced, radially offset annular seats, and a ball detentinterposed betweensaid groove and; said. plungerV signent. and coni-'medwithiitrsaiddaterakopening,.saidibalrdetentbeing adaptedfor.vdisposition.:in:4 one orfthe. other of joining sections ofrelativelyfdierent-g diameter-a` a casingfor. said.- plunger element.includingza pair of. relatively. shiftable: telescopicaily associated.sleeve members-, l oner ofy said; members: beingpro-- vided wit-hf alateralopening; inthe wallthereof and the other.v ofsaid-.members beingprovided with anl internal annular'groovein substantial. registryWit-lry saldi` opening,.said groove being of.

asymmetric form in.- transverse section.- to provide a pair of axiallyspacedl. radiallyoffset annular seats; and aballdetent'. interposedbetween vsaid groove and said? plunger element. and confined withinsaid-lateral-` opening, said ball. detentbeing adapted for dispositionin-onelor the other. off said.. annular seats accordingly. as saidplunger element. is shifted topresent` onet or the? other of itsintermediate sections aforesaidK inY registry with said lateralopening,said ball. detent` being operative whenf. disposed: between the plunger.section aforesaid of. smallest diameter'andl the inner. one. of. saidfradially offset annular seats to frictionallyretain the' plungerelement. inI retracted positioni within itscasing..

4..In a surgical instrumentA of. the. characterdescribed, a plungerelement having a bodypiercing terminal end",4 said plunger` elementbeing provided intermediateits length with adjoining. sections. ofvrelatively different diameters; a casing for. said plunger element.including a. pair. of relatively shiftable. telescopically associatedsleeveV members. one: ot said. members. being provided with alateralyopening in the wail thereof andY the` other of said membersbeingprovidedwith. an. internalVN annular groove in, substantial. registrywith` said opening-g. said groove beingI of. asymmetric form. intransverse. section tolprovidea pair of axially. spaced., radially oisetannular seats. and ar ball.4 detent interposed betweeni said. groove.and said. plunger element',A and. confined. Within. said. lateral.opening. said ball detent being adapted for disposition in one or theother of saidl annular. seats accordingly as said plunger element isshifted to present one or the other of its-'intermediate-sectionsaforesaid in registry with said lateral opening,y said ball detent beingoperative when .disposed between the plunger section aforesaid ofEgreatest'diameter and the outer: one of saidradi'ally'oiset annularseats to. permit free movement of said plunger element axially of itscasing;

5. In a surgical instrument of the character described, a plungerelement having a bodypiercing terminal end, said plunger element beingprovided intermediate its length with adjoining sections of relativelydifferent diameters, a casing for said plunger element including a pairof relatively shiftable telescopically associated sleeve members, one ofsaid members being provided with a lateral opening in the wall thereofand the other of said members being provided with an internal annulargroove in substantial registry with said opening, said groove being ofasymmetric form in transverse section to provide a pair of axiallyspaced, radially offset annular seats and a balll detent, interposedYbetween said.V groove. and; said-y plunger element. and confined.,Awithin said lateral-opening; said-ball. detent being adapted fordisposition` in: one orl the.y otherv of said annular seats accordingly.as said. plunger elementis-shifted-.toj present-one or the other offits! intermediate sections aforesaid. in registry withsaidlateral.opening,Y and a coiled compression; spring, operativelyassociated with said. plunger. element and. its1casingfor imparting. to

the, plunger-- elementl a normal bias tending to.

shift it axially of the` casing.

6; In. asurgical instrument.. of. the.. character described, a4A plungerelement. having. a bodypiercingterminal endsaid plunger element being,provided; intermediate its.- length= with a.. limited saidlateralopeningsland adapted. to beshifted intoradialfregistry with-one or. theother of said annular seats accordingly as lsaid-plunger element isshiftedv axially of. itscasing topresentone or the. other of. the.aforesaid` intermediate sections of= said plunger element centrally.between. said balldetents.

7. In a4 surgical; instrument. of.` the character described, a. plungerelement having a: bodypi-ercing, terminal. end, said. plunger elementbeing. provided intermediate its, length With a limited. section. of.luniformvr diameter. and with. an immediately adjoining. section of.diierent. diameter, a casing for said. plunger element including a. pairof relatively shiftable, telescopically assoelated.- sleeve members;the.. telescoped. portions of said sleeve members being; respectivelyprovided with an internal annular groove andwith a. plurality ofcircumferentially spacedf lateral openings,..said groove, being ofasymmetrical. form in transverse section.. to.. provide. apair ofaxially spaced, radially oiset annular Seatsand a plurality. oi. balldetente respectively c'lisfposed` Within said lateral openings and.-adapted4 to be shifted into. radial registry Withone-or the other of.said annular seats accordingly assaidplunger element issliifted axially.of its easing to. present one-or the other ofthe aforesaid intermediatesections of. said. plunger element centrally between said,

balli detente,v andr a coiled-*compression spring operatively associatedwith said plunger element auditsA casing. for. impartingz to the plungerelement a normal bias.. tending. to. shift4 it. axially of theeasing.

8, In av surgical. instrument of. thev character described, a plungerelement. having aVv bodypiercing terminal end;V said plunger elementbeing provided intermediate its length with a limited section of uniformdiameter and with an immediately adjoining section of differentdiameter, a casing for said plunger element including a pair ofrelatively shiftable telescopically associated sleeve members beingrespectively provided with an internal annular groove and with aplurality of circumferentially spaced lateral openings, said groovebeing of asymmetrical form in transverse section to provide a pair ofaxially spaced, radially offset annular seats, and a pluralityY of balldetents respectively disposed within said lateral openings and adaptedto be shifted into radial registry with one or the other of said annularseats accordingly as said plunger element is shifted axially of itscasing to present one`or the other of the aforesaid intermediatesections of said plunger element centrally between said ball detents,and a coiled compression spring operatively associated with said plungerelement and its casing for imparting to the plunger element a normalbias tending to shift it axially of the casing, said ball detents beingoperative when disposed between the reduced diameter intermediatesection of the plunger element and the inner one of said radially oisetannular seats to frictionally retain the plunger element in retracted orcocked position against the compressive force exerted by said coiledcompression spring.

9. In a surgical instrument of the character described, a plungerelement having a bodypiercing terminal end, said plunger element beingprovided intermediate its length with a limited section of uniformdiameter and with an immediately adjoining section of differentdiameter, a casing for said plunger element including a pair ofrelatively shiftable, telescopically associated sleeve members, thetelescoped portions of said sleeve members being respectively providedwith an internal annular groove and with a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced lateral openings, said groove being ofasymmetrical form in transverse section to provide a pair of axiallyspaced, radially offset annular seats, and a plurality of ball detentsrespectively disposed within said lateral openings and adapted to beshifted into radial registry with one or the other of said annularseat-s accordingly as said plunger element is shifted axially of itscasing to present one or the other of the aforesaid intermediatesections of said plunger element centrally between said ball detents,and a coiled compression spring operatively associated with said plungerelement and its casing for imparting to the plunger element a normalbias tending to shift it axially of the casing, said compression springbeing operative upon retraction of said plunger element to exert arearward thrust against the sleeve member having said lateral openingswhereby to shift said last-mentioned sleeve member relatively to theother and so effect frictional retention of the ball detents between theinner one of said radially offset annular seats and the reduced diameterintermediate section of the plunger element.

10. In a surgical instrument of the character dened in claim 9 whereinsaid frictional retention of the ball detents is automatically andinstantaneously released upon axial movement of said sleeve memberstoward each other with resultant thrust of the plunger element axiallyof its casing under the compressive force of said coiled compressionspring.

cally associated tubular members, and meansl disposed between saidplunger element and said cylindrical casing operative to positivelyretain the plunger in retracted position and to release said plungerelement from its retracted position' automatically upon relative axialmovement .of said tubular members. y

12. In a surgical instrument of the character described, aspring-pressed plunger element having a sharpened body-piercing terminalend, a cylindrical casing for said plunger element' including apair ofrelatively shiftable telescopically associated tubular members, andmeans disposed within the telescoped portions of said tubular membersand positively engageable with said plunger to releasably retain thelatter in retracted condition, said means being operable to release theplunger for body-piercing operation automatically upon relative axialmovement of said tubular members.

13. Ina surgical instrument of the character described, a spring-pressedplunger element having a sharpened body-piercing terminal end, a.cylindrical casing for said plunger element including a pair ofrelatively shiftable telescopically associated tubular members, andmeans disposed between said plunger element andY said cylindrical casingoperative to positively retain the plunger in spring-biased retractedposition and to release said plunger element from its-re tractedposition for spring-pressed axial movement automatically upon relativeaxial movement of said tubular members.

14. In' a surgical instrument of the character described, aspring-pressed plunger element having a sharpened body-piercing terminalend, a cylindrical casing for said plunger element including a pair ofrelatively shiftable telescopi.. cally associated tubular members, andmeans disposed within the telescoped portions of said tubular membersand positively engageable with said plunger to releasably retain thelatterin spring-biased retracted condition, said means being operable torelease the plunger for bodypiercing operation automatically uponrelative axial 'movement of said tubular members.

FREDERICK W. KULICKE, JR. GERALD O. TRANSUE.

REFERENCES CITED FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date France Dec. 10, 1923Number

